IVF Is Expensive. Here Are 20 Ways to Afford Treatment.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option for people seeking help getting pregnant. During IVF, eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body, and the resulting embryos are placed in the uterus to grow. 

While IVF can be effective, it often takes more than one attempt. This process is emotionally and physically demanding and involves a significant expense. Affording IVF even seems impossible for many. But understanding the costs and finding ways to save money can make it more attainable.

How much does one cycle of IVF cost?

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the average cost for one cycle of IVF is $12,400 in the U.S. This price generally includes: 

• Healthcare provider, lab, and facility fees associated with IVF

• Tests to monitor ovarian stimulation 

• Egg retrieval procedure

• Anesthesia during egg retrieval 

• Egg fertilization (embryo creation)

• Transfer of the embryo into the uterus

However, the total out-of-pocket costs for an IVF cycle could range from $20,000 to nearly $30,000 based on several factors, such as:

• Fertility center location: According to data collected by FertilityIQ, the cost of one IVF cycle in Chicago is about $11,700. That’s compared to $12,500 to about $14,300 in Nashville, Tennessee and  $16,000 and up in New York City, according to other data. 

• Medications: Fertility medications that are needed to stimulate egg production can add about $2,000 to $7,000 to each IVF cycle. These expenses are generally not included in the cycle cost, and they can vary based on the type of medications used, the dosages, and the duration of treatment. 

• Consultation: The initial fertility visit — an additional $280 to $380 — is generally not included in the IVF cycle fees. 

• Additional testing and procedures: Procedures, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and embryo freezing, may increase the cost of an IVF cycle by thousands of dollars.  

• Donor eggs or sperm: Using donated eggs can significantly increase the cost of an IVF cycle. Donated sperm may be less expensive, but it still adds to the overall cost. 

• Mini IVF versus traditional IVF: Mini IVF, which involves taking fewer fertility medications for a shorter period, can be less costly than traditional IVF.

Keep in mind that you may also need more than one IVF cycle, which can significantly increase your out-of-pocket costs. 

Are all medications, tests, and procedures included in the cost?

As mentioned, fertility medications are generally not included in the cost of an IVF cycle fee. However, insurance may cover some of the costs of these medications. This is also true for any pre-IVF tests you have to evaluate your fertility health, as well as procedures like ICSI and PGT. 

Fertility clinics approach billing for IVF differently. Some bundle all costs from outside providers, like laboratories and anesthesiologists, into one bill. Others send separate bills for each provider involved in your care.

Does insurance cover IVF costs?

If you have health Insurance, your plan may cover IVF. But coverage for IVF varies significantly from plan to plan, and not everyone is eligible for this type of coverage. Certain health plans may require that a person has an infertility diagnosis to qualify for coverage, for example. And some insurance companies may only cover IVF costs for people with cancer-related infertility. 

The cost of IVF with insurance will depend on the specifics of your policy. Review your policy for details. Or contact your insurer (or human resources department) directly to ask about what fertility treatments, if any, are covered. 

As of September 2023, 21 states and the District of Columbia have laws that require insurance companies to cover fertility treatments, and 15 of those laws require coverage for IVF. The specific fertility treatments that are covered and eligibility criteria vary by state. And some employers are exempt from the laws. For example, religious employers, self-funded employers, and small employers (fewer than 25 or 50 employees, depending on the state) are not required to provide coverage for fertility treatment.  

How can you make IVF more affordable?

Making IVF more affordable is possible if you know where to look. Here are 20 ways to save money on your fertility treatments:  

1. Check your health insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, read your policy details or contact your insurer to see if IVF is covered. Ask about out-of-pocket expenses, prior authorizations, eligibility criteria, and coverage limitations.  

2. Look into your state’s laws. Find out if you live or work in a state with mandated fertility coverage and, if so, if you’re covered under the mandate. The fertility treatments that health plans must cover vary from state to state. Who qualifies for coverage also varies.   

3. Apply for IVF grants. Many nonprofit organizations offer fertility grants. However, eligibility may be based on income or location. See if you qualify for a fertility grant here.  

4. Budget and save money. Calculate all the costs associated with your IVF treatment so you know how much you need to save. Consider setting aside a portion of your income in a dedicated sub-savings account.

5. Shop around. Take the time to compare prices from different fertility clinics. But also keep in mind that choosing an IVF clinic involves more than just comparing costs. It’s important to research clinics’ pregnancy success rates, as well.

6. Ask about package deals. Many IVF clinics offer discounted rates when you commit to multiple cycles and pay upfront. Just make sure that a package deal makes sense for your situation.

7. Check for potential refunds and shared-risk programs. Some fertility centers allow short windows for full or partial refunds if life circumstances change. Others offer multi-cycle packages with guarantees to refund some of your money if you don’t become pregnant during the prepaid cycles.

8. Deduct IVF costs from your taxes. Out-of-pocket medical expenses that total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income can qualify as itemized deductions. This means your IVF expenses could potentially be tax deductible. Keep your receipts and talk to a tax expert about your deduction options.

9. Take advantage of your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). If you have an HSA or FSA, tap into the pretax dollars in your account to save money on IVF costs. 

10. Reduce your costs for fertility medications. Shop around at different speciality pharmacies for the lowest prices on fertility medications. Also, be open to discussing any financial hardships you have with your IVF providers. They may be able to help you find more affordable alternatives to your medications or give you free samples.

11. Apply for medication discounts. See if you’re eligible for discounted medications to help make IVF more affordable. Ask your IVF specialist or clinic about available programs for the specific fertility medications you take. 

12. Save on your medications by using GoodRx. Get discounts on the retail prices of fertility medications by using GoodRx coupons. 

13. Ask about payment plans. Fertility clinics may offer flexible payment plans to make IVF possible. But read the fine print and ask about interest rates and other fees.

14. Consider participating in a clinical trial. There are research studies that test new fertility treatments, and these studies may pay for your IVF if you enroll. Look for available trials through ClinicalTrials.gov or FindMeCure.  

15. Compare loan options. Low-interest personal loans through banks or agencies partnering with clinics can make IVF more accessible. Ask about interest rates, monthly fees, and repayment terms.

16. Launch a crowdfunding campaign. Consider using a platform like GoFundMe to share your story with family members, friends, and online communities and gather financial support.  

17. Inquire about discounts. Check with fertility clinics to see if they offer discounts or special programs for specific groups or at certain times of the year. Don’t hesitate to discuss your financial situation and needs when asking about savings options. 

18. Explore credit card options. Some credit cards offer 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for a limited time. To maximize savings, pay off your balance before the 0% APR ends and high interest kicks in.

19. Look for military discounts. See if you're eligible for savings, grants, or even free IVF medications offered to active military members, veterans, and their spouses. Some fertility clinics provide military discounts on treatments. Pharmaceutical companies like Ferring and EMD Serono give away free IVF medications to eligible veterans and their spouses.

20. Check for programs for people who have cancer. If cancer has impacted your fertility, many organizations provide financial relief to help make parenthood possible. For example, the Expect Miracles Foundation offers family building grants to people diagnosed with cancer and cancer survivors. 

Questions to ask

To get the full picture of what IVF will cost you out of pocket, asking questions is a must. Here are a few questions to consider asking fertility clinics and providers:

• What exactly is included in the IVF price?

• What types of diagnostic tests or procedures do you recommend before treatment, and how much do those cost?

• How many visits and tests are typically required?

• What is the typical cost of fertility medications per IVF cycle? 

• Are there less expensive alternatives for the recommended fertility medications?

• Do you offer payment plans, discounted packages, or financial assistance programs?

• Does my insurance cover any portion of IVF or fertility medication costs? If so, what percentage is covered, and what will my out-of-pocket fees be?

• If I need multiple IVF cycles, is there a discount?

• Beyond your fees, will I receive separate bills from other providers?

• What is your policy on issuing refunds if I change my mind?

• Do you have statistics about the average number of cycles people undergo before success at your clinic?

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts